The Colour Yellow

 

I like yellow, I find it cheerful and stimulating but a whole wall of yellow I would find too much. Yellow is the most visible of our colour range and it the colour that resonate with the left side of our brain -the logic analytical side. I found it interesting that Goethe explains why a colour which such positives has some negative connotations. Such as the yellow hats of bankrupts and the yellow circles on Jews – we also associate it with cowardice. Today’s colour scientists think this is more to do with the shade of yellow, dingy yellow is associated with decay, sickness and jealousy. It is also practical colour not  really an emotional colour, as it is from the head not the heart it can support analytic thinking and critical analysis of others and ourselves.

Yellow, making your design stand out

It is a good colour to use in advertising especially for children, as it is consider a fast moving colour. It highlights elements of your design or advertisement. it is recommended not to use it with men’s products, men perceive the colour as childish. Also not really recommended in large areas for elderly as the vibration of the colour is too fast. You mind also find in periods of stress or large amounts of change in your life that you don’t tolerate yellow very well. This fact resonates with me as Iooking back I found moving to college and certain personal issues were stressing me out, I realised I never wore my favourite jumper, in fact it is only recently I found it at the back of my closet. It appears when we are trying to cope with things the vibration of yellow agitates us rather than soothe. So yellow is as complicated to use in art and design as any of the more intense colours.

 

The Colour Red

Culturally, physically and emotionally colours affect us. I think it is important that we know in what ways we are affected so we are more in tune with ourselves and our surroundings. For an artist it is imperative we understand the nature and psychology of colours. Every post I plan to dedicate to a colour I would be so interested in your feedback on my perceptions, agree or disagree.

A different warning signal!!

A warning signal

 

 

 

 

 

Red is the colour of passion we associate with sexuality and excitement. It is a colour of strong desires its makes a statement. It is the colour of blood and as such has associations  with aggression and war, as well as power and love. It is a highly visible colour and its no accident that our emergency equipment, stop lights and  danger signs are in red. I think that’s why dad bought me a red car – danger on the roads! I know when I am driving it I feel assertive and confident. If I put a red dress on I feel sexy and  dramatic. Yet put me in a red room and I soon get agitated and uncomfortable.  This article argues for red being a manipulative colour. Colour has a profound effect on us and we are not always aware of it. I found a poem the other day which I think identifies a lot about the colour red for me personally.

“WHAT IS RED?”

 

Red is a sunset

Blazing and bright.

Red is feeling brave

   With all your might.

Red is a sunburn

A spot on your nose.

Sometimes red, is a red red rose.

Red squiggles out when you cut your hand.

Red is a brick

And the sounds of a band.

Red is hotness

You get inside

When you’re embarrassed

And want to hide.

Fire-cracker, fire-engine

Fire-flicker red –

And when you’re angry

Red runs through your head.

 

Red is an Indian

A Valentine heart,

The trimmings on

A circus cart.

Red is a lipstick

Red is a shout

Red is a signal

That says, “Watch out!”

Red is a great big

Rubber ball.

Red is the giant-est

Colour of all.

Red is a show-off,

No doubt about it –

But can you imagine

Living without it?